Firstly; thanks to a lot of the information here I was able to make an informed decision about buying my new Prius. Thank you, everyone, really. I have been driving a Ford F150 pickup for nearly 10 years and 99% of the time have been hauling Air. Yes, 16MPG is no fun. But not the only reason for a Prius. It's a sweet "gadget" too! After two (maybe three) years of being on the fence, I was finally in a position to get a new car. And... well... after a long weekend reading this site, several hours at the dealership, several test rides, lunch, rinse, repeat. I bought the green one ;-) No I really did not need the leather seats, but my kids love how you slide around in them. O.k. maybe I do too. Thanks again folks. For all the helpful information! Now I'll have to add some of my own to make it up.
Congrats and welcome! I'm new here, as well, but have to tell you that this is easily one of the best forums I've ever been to on the net. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable! -Pete
Yea, I try to avoid cranky people creating activities. Search is my friend. I think I have already decided to try and get an engine block heater -- install sounds really easy and Maine winter is... a little on the chilly side. Not so much as some of the folks I've seen here! -40F is unusual but -10F is not. Well met, be seeing you.
Congratulations on the new ride. Sounds like we have the same color. I already have over 3K on the Prius. Package 6 - great choice!
I'm trying to decide whether to get the 2008 regular Prius with pkg. 6 or the Touring edition. I've been driving a BMW for many years. Any pros and cons for either choice?
The touring package did not seem to add any features I was looking for or needed. 98% of my driving is <= 45mph on country and small city roads. With maybe a 700 mile trip to family a few times a year. Navigation was a gizmo, I was really looking for the leather seats. They are so much easier to clean when you have kids than fabric.
Being new to the Prius world myself, you will definitely feel the difference in performance and handling since you are coming from a BMW to a 'green' car. I hope one of your main reasons why you want to buy a Prius is to maximize your mpg. If so, then the Prius is the right car for you. I've never test drove a touring packaged Prius, so I cannot give you an honest feedback. Let us know what you decide. Regards.
I like leather too, but the package 4 does not come with leather. For all of my passengers in the Prius, eating is not allowed. If we want to eat, we just head to the nearest restaurant of choice.
I had to have leather (and got the Touring) but Toyota really does gouge you for leather seats. If I had to do it again I might well have gotten a lesser package and installed leather aftermarket. From reading forums the price isn't bad and a lot of people have gotten excellent jobs done. I am pretty busy and didn't have the time/energy to find a shop to do the leather, but I paid dearly for my time savings!